Local scout leaders scolded for marching in Utah Pride Parade

Local scout leaders scolded for marching in Utah Pride Parade

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 Utah) - Some local Boy Scout leaders are getting an earful after marching in Utah's pride parade. Scouting executives said the leaders who participated were helping promote the gay agenda, and that's not okay with scout policy.

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 Utah) - Some local Boy Scout leaders are getting an earful after marching in Utah's pride parade. Scouting executives said the leaders who participated were helping promote the gay agenda, and that's not okay with scout policy.

Two weeks ago a group of Boy Scouts marched in Utah Pride Parade. At the time they got cheers from the crowd. But now they're getting scolded by the Great Salt Lake Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

"I don't feel like I did anything wrong," said Peter Brownstein, Scoutmaster.

Scoutmaster Peter Brownstein was one of the scout leaders who participated in the parade. We're told images of their march began circulating online and the council sent Brownstein a letter telling him he violated scout policy. By organizing scouts to march dressed in uniform, they said he was promoting the gay agenda.

"What we did was carry the American flag proudly at the front of the parade; and having scouts in color guards in parades is as American as apple pie," said Brownstein.

But that's not how local Boy Scout executives feel about it.

"It's not he role of the organization nor may any member use scouting or promote or advance any social or political position or agenda," said Rick Barnes, Scout Executive, Great Salt Lake Council.

Rick Barnes of the Great Salt Lake Council said the national Boy Scouts of America headquarters shares the same opinion.

"Our national leadership has met and discussed this, they've provided us with the policy and their decision is that this is violation of our policy," said Barnes.

Because of the march, leaders may revoke Brownstein's scouting membership unless he signs a letter of apology, but he said he won't do it.

"I have refused to sign their letter; they said they will, we'll see what happens,” said Brownstein.